Futureproofing Your Career | Strategies and Case Studies
How can individuals and businesses adapt to the changing landscape of work and stay ahead of the curve?
The Industrial Revolution, powered by the steam engine, transformed societies and forced many to adapt. Similarly, AI is poised to reshape the workforce. The good news, however, is that history shows human ingenuity thrives on change.
By focusing on skills like problem-solving and emotional intelligence, as opposed to rote tasks better suited for AI, we can not only survive but flourish alongside this powerful technology.
Futureproof: 9 Rules in the Age of Automation
“I think critical thinking, creativity, the ability to figure out what other people want, the ability to have new ideas, that in some sense that'll be the most valuable skill of the future" - Sam Altman in Howard University Speech
Sam Altman, former President of Y Combinator, highlights the importance of skills like critical thinking and creativity in the age of AI. The book "Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation" provides a framework for individuals to thrive in this new era.
Rule 1: Be surprising, social, and scarce
Surprising: Adapting to Change
AI is great at following rules, but humans excel at adapting to change and uncertainty. By developing your ability to adapt to new situations, you'll be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the real world.
Social: Building Strong Relationships
While AI can meet our material needs, humans are uniquely capable of building strong relationships and creating emotional connections. By developing your social skills and ability to create meaningful interactions, you'll be well-positioned for the future.
Scarce: Cultivating Unique Perspectives
Combinatorial creativity, or the ability to combine different skills in unique ways, is a rare and valuable asset. By cultivating your own unique perspective and approach to problem-solving, you'll be able to approach problems in innovative ways that AI can't replicate.
Rule 2: Resist machine drift
To resist machine drift, start by taking an inventory of your own preferences. Ask yourself:
Are my choices truly mine, or are they influenced by machine suggestions?
Do I buy certain products or take certain actions because I genuinely want to, or because an algorithm told me to?
Would I still make the same choices if there were no likes, views, or retweets to influence me?
Break Free from the Algorithmic Bubble
Recommendation algorithms can create a "snowball effect," where we're shown more and more things that align with our existing interests, limiting our view of the world to what we're already comfortable with. By being more mindful of our choices and taking steps to break free from this bubble, we can regain control over our preferences and values.
Rule 3: Demote Your Devices
The Hidden Costs of Phubbing
When we prioritize our devices over human interactions, we risk damaging our mental well-being and relationships. Phubbing, or snubbing others in favor of our phones, can lead to decreased happiness, increased anxiety, and a reduced ability to enjoy experiences with others.
Use Your Devices with Intention
The key to healthy device use lies not in how often we use our phones, but in how we use them. Passive activities like scrolling through social media or watching videos can have negative effects on our mental health. In contrast, active uses like posting updates or chatting with friends can have more positive outcomes.
Rule 4: Leave handprints
The Futility of Hustling
No matter how hard you work, you can't outwork an algorithm. The idea that we can compete with machines head-on is a seductive fantasy, but it's simply not possible. Machines operate at a vast scale, with enormous computing power behind them, making it impossible for humans to compete in terms of speed and efficiency.
Make Your Mark
To leave a lasting impact, focus on leveraging your unique human strengths to create value that is authentically yours. Instead of trying to outdo machines, focus on bringing:
Creative Spark: Infuse your work with innovative ideas and fresh perspectives.
Human Connection: Foster deep, meaningful relationships that are built on empathy and trust.
Emotional Intelligence: Approach problems with a nuanced understanding of human emotions and needs.
Personal Touch: Craft unique, handmade, or bespoke products and services that reflect your personality and values.
By leaving handprints, you'll not only stand out from the machines, but you'll also create value that is genuinely unique, memorable, and irreplaceable.
Rule 5: Don’t be an endpoint
The Future of Work
In the economy of the future, success won't be about processing data or writing code, but about bringing creativity, empathy, and humanity to your work. The Google demo highlighted the limitations of machines: they couldn't communicate directly with each other, requiring a human receptionist to facilitate the interaction.
Take Control of Your Work
To avoid becoming obsolete, it's essential to rethink your current job and suggest changes that make your work more human-centric. This means:
Reclaiming Autonomy: Gain more control over the tools and processes that shape your work.
Humanizing Your Role: Focus on tasks that require creativity, empathy, and emotional intelligence – the very qualities that make us human.
Rule 6: Treat AI like a chimp army
Imagine an army of intelligent, agile, and strong chimps, capable of recognizing faces, lifting objects, and responding to commands. While they could be incredibly useful in tasks like loading shipments or restocking supplies, they also pose a significant risk if not properly trained, supervised, and guided. Without moral direction, they could wreak havoc and cause unintended consequences.
The AI Parallel
Similarly, AI systems, no matter how advanced, lack a moral compass and cannot distinguish right from wrong. Yet, many organizations are deploying these systems without rigorous testing, evaluation, and human oversight, hoping for the best. This is a recipe for disaster. As Yoshua Bengio warns, it's reckless to entrust machines with critical decisions, as they will not possess a moral sense or understanding of what is right and wrong.
The Need for Careful Management
Treat AI like a powerful, but unprincipled, workforce that requires careful management and supervision to prevent harm. This means:
Rigorous Testing and Evaluation: Thoroughly test and evaluate AI systems to ensure they are safe and reliable.
Human Oversight: Implement robust human oversight and monitoring to prevent AI systems from causing harm.
Moral Guidance: Provide AI systems with clear moral guidance and direction to ensure they align with human values and principles.
By treating AI like a chimp army, you'll be better equipped to harness its power while minimizing its risks.
Rule 7: Build big nets and small webs
It's unacceptable to stand by while technological progress destroys the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people without providing a genuine alternative that maintains their living standards. We must find solutions that prioritize social responsibility alongside technological advancement.
Other countries have shown us the way. Japan's shukko system, for example, has helped mitigate the impact of automation by temporarily reassigning workers to other companies. Similarly, Sweden's job-security councils provide critical support to laid-off workers, including severance pay, job counseling, and emotional support.
In the US, experts are advocating for a universal basic income as a comprehensive safety net to ensure a minimum standard of living. Others propose a "robot tax" to fund expanded safety net programs. Meanwhile, local community networks can help us harness technology for the greater good, highlighting how it improves our lives. By building big nets and small webs, we can create a more equitable and compassionate society that supports all individuals through the challenges of technological change.
Rule 8: Learn machine age humanities:
Attention Guarding
In a world where distractions are abundant, the ability to focus and defend our attention is crucial. This isn't just about productivity; it's about preserving our mental well-being and autonomy. By guarding our attention, we can develop new skills, form meaningful connections with others, and construct a positive identity that resists machine-driven influences.
Room Reading
Emotional intelligence is key to navigating the complexities of human relationships. People who have developed this skill, such as those who have been in the closet, may have an advantage in the age of AI. They've honed their ability to read social cues, empathize with others, and adapt to new situations. This skill, often overlooked in traditional skills inventories, can be a valuable asset in various workplaces.
Resting
In a culture that equates busyness with worthiness, resting is often stigmatized. However, rest is essential for productivity, creativity, and mental health. Tricia Hersey, the "Nap Bishop," is on a mission to reframe rest as a productive and resistive act. By taking naps and relaxing, we can resist the pressures of hustle culture and reclaim our bodies from the demands of capitalism and white supremacy. Rest is not only self-care; it's a radical act of self-love and empowerment.
Rule 9: Support the rebels
Backing the Rebels
I believe we have a moral duty to support those who are fighting for a better world, rather than simply fighting against machines. This means joining forces with ethical technologists, activists, and change-makers who are working to make AI and automation a force for good.
Honoring the Pioneers
This means recognizing the contributions of pioneers, like Sarah Bagley, who fought for workers' rights in the 19th century, and Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who played a crucial role in the space race. By supporting these rebels, we can create a future that is more just, more equitable, and more humane.
Reference:
Sam Altman in Howard University Speech 2024
Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation
Adaptability: The New Competitive Advantage by Martin Reeves and Mike Deimler, HBR
The ultimate guide to emotional intelligence in the workplace and beyond, Fast Company
How to do great work, Paul Graham
The Insidious Habit That Can Hurt Your Relationship, The New York Times
Rick Wartzman, "The First Time America Freaked Out over Automation," Politico, May 30, 2017.
Max Chafkin, "Yahoo's Marissa Mayer on Selling a Company While Trying to Turn It Around," Bloomberg Businessweek, August 4, 2016.
Chris Welch, "Google Just Gave a Stunning Demo of Assistant Making an Actual Phone Call," The Verge, May 8, 2018.
Humans Absorb Bias from AI—And Keep It after They Stop Using the Algorithm, Scientific America
“Elon Musk says the difference between human intellect and AI is comparable to the difference between chimpanzees and humans”, 2019, Business Insider
Managing AI Risks in an Era of Rapid Progress, Yoshua Bengio, arXiv:2310.17688
The Impact of AI on Democracy and Humanity with Yoshua Bengio
Shukko in Japanese companies and its economic and managerial effects
Sweden's job centres are the best in the world—and they're private, Apolitico
How taxing robots could help bridge future revenue gaps
Richard Rubin, "The Robot Tax Debate Heats Up," Wall Street Journal, January 8, 2020.
Mengran Xu et al., "Mindfulness and Mind Wandering: The Protective Effects of Brief Meditation in Anxious Individuals," Consciousness and Cognition (2017).
Daniel Goleman, Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence (New York: A&C Black, 2013).
Rest is Resistance: A MANIFESTO, Tricia Hesey
From Hidden to Modern Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, Nasa
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I'm Kevin Wang, a product manager by day and a passionate builder of tulsk.io, a Gen-AI Tool, in my free time. I'm on a mission to simplify complex concepts in web3 and AI, so they're easier to grasp and apply to your own learning and growth.
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Very informative article!